Discover Laura!

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Take a Guided Tour of the Original Homes and School

Take a Guided Tour of the Original Homes and School

Take a Guided Tour of the Original Homes and School

  •  Original Surveyors' House from Wilder's fifth book, "By the Shores of Silver Lake"


  • Original Ingalls Home built by Charles "Pa" Ingalls in 1887-1889


  • Original First School of De Smet attended by Laura and her sister, Carrie


  •  Exhibition view original Ingalls-Wilder artifacts! 


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Learn More!

Take a Guided Tour of the Original Homes and School

Take a Guided Tour of the Original Homes and School

  •  The Discover Center for some hands-on fun!

CLOSED DUE TO COVID-19


  • Tour Calumet Avenue- walk De Smet's main street and read about the businesses.


  • De Smet Cemetery-visit the grave sites of the Ingalls family and their friends and neighbors.



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De Smet Attractions

Take a Guided Tour of the Original Homes and School

De Smet Attractions

  • Visit Charles "Pa" Ingalls homestead one mile southeast of De Smet.


  •  Visit the five original cottonwood trees that "Pa" planted for his wife, Caroline, and his four daughters on the first acre of the Ingalls Homestead


  • Visit Almanzo Wilder's homestead and tree claim north of De Smet on Hwy 25.


Reservations for Guided Tours

NOTE: Reserve a guided tour for access to our historic homes.

Thank you for your interest in the Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Society. 


Due to COVID-19, we are requiring all visitors to reserve a guided tour. Note, this will be the only way to view our historic buildings. We are also only able to safely accommodate a maximum of 9 visitors per tour with one of our experienced docent-guided tours. Please note that you may be scheduled with another group, but we will take the necessary precautions for social distancing.

 

In order to get the time slot of your choice, we request that you call ahead at least 24-48 hours in advance to reserve a guided tour. We are offering guided tours on a first come, first serve basis. Tours are available every hour on the half hour from 9:30 AM- 4:30 PM, please plan to arrive a half hour early to visit the exhibit and gift shop. 


For the health and safety of our visitors and employees, we are requesting that everyone wear face masks throughout our facilities. Please be prepared to have one on hand for each member of your group or to purchase them at the Gift Shop.


Please feel free to contact us with any questions that you have. We look forward to providing a memorable visit to the Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Society.

Book A Tour

To book a tour, please call 800-880-3383 or email us at info@discoverlaura.org

Information

Time

Tickets

Tickets

 Please allow a minimum of 1.5 hours to complete the guided tour of the Historic Homes.

Tickets

Tickets

Tickets

Tour tickets may be purchased at the Gift Shop at 105 Olivet Avenue, one block south of the Courthouse.

Parking

Tickets

Pet Policy

Parking is available to the north of our Gift Shop and along side the premises. 

RVs and Campers are welcome!

Pet Policy

Accessibility

Pet Policy

Service animals are welcome. 

Pets are not allowed in the buildings.

Accessibility

Accessibility

Accessibility

The Gift Shop, Surveyors' House, First School and first floor of the Ingalls Home are wheelchair accessible. 

Maps

Accessibility

Accessibility

Download a free brochure and community guide!


De Smet Map


Community Guide